12 Children’s Deaths Linked to Contaminated Cough Syrup in MP and Rajasthan
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The tragic deaths of 12 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have raised serious concerns about the safety of pediatric medications. The children reportedly developed severe kidney failure after consuming cough syrups, leading to their deaths. In response, the central government has issued an advisory urging healthcare providers to avoid prescribing cold and cough medications to children under the age of two. The Directorate General of Health Services emphasized the need for caution in administering such medications to young children.
The Union Health Ministry conducted laboratory tests on samples of the cough syrups involved but found no contamination with diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol, toxic substances known to cause kidney damage. Despite this, the exact cause of the kidney failure remains unidentified, and investigations are ongoing.
In Madhya Pradesh, nine children died in Chhindwara district, and five others are receiving specialized treatment in Nagpur. The district administration had previously banned two brands of cough syrup as a precautionary measure. Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Joint Director of Health Services, confirmed that stocks of the suspected syrups were sealed, and further investigations are underway.
The central advisory aims to prevent further tragedies by promoting the rational use of cough syrups in pediatric care. Healthcare providers and parents are urged to exercise caution and consult medical professionals before administering such medications to young children.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry and the need for vigilant monitoring of medications, especially those intended for children.
